‘Basketball Wives’ Recap: Evelyn Recovers, Tami Gives Bad Advice

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By: Michael Arceneaux/ August 20, 2013

Basketball Wives

Season 5, Episode 1

On the Basketball Wives season 4 reunion special, Shaunie O’Neal finally acknowledged that there was legitimacy to the criticism that the VH1 reality franchise could stand for depictions that go beyond angry women who toss bottles, fists and insults at each other. O’Neal, who serves the dual roles of producer and cast member, claimed that her fellow behind the scenes handlers were finally ready to give viewers the balance that both viewers and she herself pleaded for. I imagine a dip in ratings and a petition calling for the show’s cancellation that gained national coverage provided all the convincing she needed.

To wit, in promotion of the new season, Shaunie assured inquiring minds from the media that season 5 of Basketball Wives would feature plenty of “growth.” It remains to be seen whether or not that will be the case given the show’s format has long been cemented, but one thing is for certain from the season premiere: There are certain cast members engaged in full-fledged damage control. Not surprisingly, the woman leading the charge is its biggest star: Evelyn Lozada.

Evelyn’s past behavior was leveled against her following her reports that her now ex-husband, Chad Johnson, physically attacked her during an argument. That wasn’t fair to Evelyn, but even so, if your aim is to change the public’s perception about you, you’ve got to own up to your own transgressions, too. Perhaps that’ll come in later episodes. In the meantime, welcome back, ladies. —Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick)